America’s Next Top Model Review: Models Abuzz

Whoa. Episode two of this season’s America’s Next Top Model was much more intense than the first. I hate to admit it, but even I got a little teary eyed at some parts. The good thing about this episode was that we got to know the contestants a little more and, as a result, I’m slowly figuring out who my favorites are and who I just absolutely cannot stand and am praying Tyra gives the boot! For example, there’s Alexandria. I knew this one would become a problem. She made it clear from the start that she’s the alpha bitch dog of the house and further solidified that by getting bent out of shape over some chicken in the refrigerator (you know, real important stuff). So far, she’s not high on my list of girls I’d like to see win.

One of the good things about Tyra and the show is that among all the fashion and makeup, the girls are given a little useful education. Heather Bauer, Tyra’s personal nutritionist, comes to the Top Model home to give them an introduction to healthy eating and what Heather calls “cheaties,” or food you think may be unhealthy and fattening when in reality it’s pretty beneficial. It’s pretty cool to learn since it’s something the viewers can use too (and picking spaghetti and meatballs over eggplant Parmesan sounds like a deal to me!).

Later, the models are brought to a theater to meet top acting coach, Eugene Buica. He helps them to confront their inner critics, that little voice in your head that likes to talk smack about you constantly and can be responsible for holding you back. I’m pretty sure everyone in the world can relate to that. Each one of the girls has a mini-breakdown on stage about their insecurities and many tears ensue. First off, how adorable and innocent is Jaclyn? It was quite hilarious to see her get on stage and burst in to tears over her baby face and high voice. If that’s what she’s the most self-conscious about in life, I envy her. Poor Ondrei, on the other hand, is not in the same boat as Jaclyn. She bared it all on stage and really opened up about the death of her two brothers, one of which was only six months prior. At this point, Ondrei starts to have doubts about her continuing on in the show and you can hardly blame her.

The outlandish photo shoot of the episode winds up being one where they cover the girls in bees. Seriously? I’m going to be asking that question a lot throughout the season I think. Stuffing cotton up my nose and in my ears wouldn’t be enough to get me in the same room with a swarm of bees. Come on, we have all this technology. Can’t we just superimpose those bees into the pictures later? Maybe throw a few scorpions in for good measure. Ok, I get it, the real thing is always better but bugs are where I’m drawing the line. The models get through it anyway and eventually go before the judges. I’d say a good 50% of the girls had awesome photos while the other half was just alright. The amazing supermodel Alek Wek served as a guest judge for the episode and gave some nice feedback. Hannah was crowned with best picture of the shoot with Brittani as runner up. The both of them are really fantastic models! Dominique pulled it off after having a horrible first photo shoot in the first episode so she was saved from elimination. Monique was easily one of the best photos taken overall, which is hard for me to admit since I’m finding that personality wise I can’t stand the girl. Hearing her say that a weepy Hannah was pathetic and listening to her drone on in monotone fashion is enough to make me want to use my ear canals as pencil sharpeners- time to ditch this contestant! Eventually, the axe fell on Nicole who had the worst photo of the shoot. According to the judges, most of Nicole’s photos made her look older than she looks in person. Yikes. Ondrei decided by the end that she should leave as well, feeling she wasn’t in the right place mentally to take on the competition. I commend her for trying but I’m sad to see her go. She had a very high chance of getting very far on ANTM in my opinion- so beautiful! Well, it will be interesting to see what other drama unfolds as the ladies open up even more and what other ridiculous photo shoot ideas Tyra and the crew will throw at them. Can it get worse than bees?!

For another opinion on this episode, read Beauty and the Bees by Savannah DuBois.

Season 16, Episode 2: Alek Wek (originally aired March 2, 2011)

See the fashion and the drama unfold Wednesdays 8/7 central on The CW

Images courtesy of  Lisa Rose/The CW.